(a) The commission shall adopt a master plan that guides the adoption and implementation of the Marine Life Protection Program adopted pursuant to Section 2853 and decisions regarding the siting of new MPAs and major modifications of existing MPAs. The plan shall be based on the best readily available science.

(b) (1) The department shall prepare, or by contract shall cause to be prepared, a master plan in accordance with this subdivision. In order to take full advantage of scientific expertise on MPAs, the department shall convene a master plan team to advise and assist in the preparation of the master plan, or hire a contractor with relevant expertise to assist in convening such a team.

(2) The team members convened pursuant to this subdivision shall have expertise in marine life protection and shall be knowledgeable about the use of protected areas as a marine ecosystem management tool. The members shall also be familiar with underwater ecosystems found in California waters, with the biology and habitat requirements of major species groups in the state’s marine waters, and with water quality and related issues.

(3) The team shall be composed of the following individuals:

(A) Staff from the department, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the State Water Resources Control Board, to be designated by each of those departments.

(B) Five to seven members who shall be scientists, one of whom may have expertise in the economics and culture of California coastal communities.

(C) One member, appointed from a list prepared by Sea Grant marine advisers, who shall have direct expertise with ocean habitat and sea life in California marine waters.

(4) The master plan shall be prepared with the advice, assistance, and involvement of participants in the various fisheries and their representatives, marine conservationists, marine scientists, and other interested persons. In preparing the master plan, the department shall confer, to the extent feasible, with the commission, the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the United States Navy, the United States Geological Survey’s national biological survey, staff from national marine sanctuaries off California, Sea Grant researchers, marine advisers, and national parks personnel.

(5) The department may engage other experts to contribute to the master plan, including scientists, geographic information system (GIS) experts, and commercial and recreational fishermen, divers, and other individuals knowledgeable about the state’s underwater ecosystems, the history of fishing effort or MPA management, or other relevant subjects.

(c) The department and team, in carrying out this chapter, shall take into account relevant information from local communities, and shall solicit comments and advice for the master plan from interested parties on issues including, but not necessarily limited to, each of the following:

(1) Practical information on the marine environment and the relevant history of fishing and other resources use, areas where fishing is currently prohibited, and water pollution in the state’s coastal waters.

(2) Socioeconomic and environmental impacts of various alternatives.

(3) Design of monitoring and evaluation activities.

(4) Methods to encourage public participation in the stewardship of the state’s MPAs.

(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 1015, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2000.)